Subscribe to the Second Shelters Newsletter

Find a Sweet Cape Escape with a Charming Home in Massachusetts’ Cape Cod

Every June, my family and I rent a cottage in Orleans, Mass., for a week, which is in the heart of Cape Cod. Our place is right on the bay, and we watch the tide ebb and flow from our large front porch. We just returned last week and the temperature was never above 80°. Last summer, it was so chilly, we rarely swam. The air smells clean and briny, and the architecture everywhere is like a storybook. If this sounds like paradise, you’re not far off.

Life is pretty sweet in Cape Cod—I’ve had the opportunity to spend many hours driving and exploring the 15 towns that make up its 339 square miles. Cape Cod stretches from Woods Hole in the southwest (where you catch ferries to Martha’s Vineyard) to Provincetown in the northeast (where we go whale watching and fishing).

The year-round population of 220,000 swells during summer months, when many thousands like us flock to Cape Cod for a holiday. I can’t help but wonder what it would cost us to buy a place up there—it’s easy to afford something if your budget is massive, but what about more reasonably priced Cape Cod real estate?

I found three places that I think just might fit the bill.

BEACHSIDE BEAUTY IN SANDWICH WITH OCEAN VIEWS, THREE STORIES

84 Town Neck Rd., Sandwich, MA, 02563

3 bedrooms | 2.1 bathrooms | 2,738 square feet

Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod, settled in 1637, and super charming: we went to the Sandwich Glass Museum and watched an artisan show us how glass has been made there for years. There’s also the Dexter Grist Mill, in the historic district of town, and so many beautiful houses.

This home fits in perfectly there, and looks like it’s old, but it was built in 2000. It’s also big: three stories and 2,738 square feet. Lots of room for a second home and guests. It offers views of Cape Cod Bay and gorgeous sandy beach across the street. There’s an open kitchen, dining, and living area that provide a place for family and friends to gather. The master ensuite has stunning views of the ocean, as well as a Whirlpool tub and private shower. The third floor is perfect for extra company, a game room, or to just relax and take in the views. In back, there’s a private fenced yard with a deck and brick patio.

‘DOWNTOWN LIVING’ IN FALMOUTH VILLAGE IN TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY COTTAGE

64 Palmer Ave., Falmouth, MA, 02540

3 bedroom | 2 bathroom | 1,368 square feet

Built in 1900, this quaint Cape Cod cottage is close to downtown in Falmouth Village, across from the Museums on the Green. The population is around 32,000, making Falmouth the second-largest municipality on Cape Cod. This is the western-most part of Cape Cod, so quick day trips to Boston are easy. It’s also home to the terminal for the Steamship Authority ferries to Martha’s Vineyard, in the village of Woods Hole in Falmouth.

This is a turn-of-the-century classic with hardwood floors, built-ins, fireplace and three-season porch. It also offers a full basement, wraparound driveway with patio behind the house, and sweet back door porch. From this cottage, you can walk to town, the bike path, and the beach.

It is listed by Annie Hart Cool with Sotheby’s International Realty for $450,000.

WENAUMET BLUFFS SHINGLE-STYLE HOME WITH PRIVATE BEACH

66 Wings Neck Rd., Pocasset, MA, 02559

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,564 square feet

Pocasset is a small town of about 3,000 people in Cape Cod. From this home in Wenaumet Bluffs, a housing area, you can take a stroll to their private association sandy beach or relax on the covered porch of this charming shingle style home. The family room, kitchen, dining area and spacious rear deck blend seamlessly to provide lots of space to entertain. The interior is finished in Arts-and-Crafts style with wood flooring, wood doors, natural wainscoting, and crown molding. Cherry cabinets, recessed lighting, granite countertops and a river stone gas fireplace give this home warmth and charm with attention to detail. Additionally, the master bedroom includes a tiled gas fireplace and walk-in closet. Exterior to the main house, a finished studio offers even more space.

Recent Articles

Tahitienne is one of the first “high-rises” built on Oahu’s Gold Coast. Originally an eight-story building, a ninth-floor penthouse was added at some point. It rests alone with 2,800 square feet plus an additional 645-square-foot lanai that stretches 50 linear feet across the ocean. There are three bedrooms with two-and-a-half bathrooms. Listed at $6.4 million […]

On a street lined historic homes, in a neighborhood full of historic homes, this week’s historical shelter may be small, but it’s also the antidote for any Mardi Gras FOMO you might be experiencing this year. After all, if you’ve been flicking through photos of all the festivities going on right now, you might also […]

Editor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list. Not everyone can spend $1 million […]